David Manby revealed his frustration at the negativity of ECB Premier League teams after Nettleham were restricted to a winning draw by Market Deeping on Saturday.

Superb performances from Warren Nel (135 not out) and Matt O'Halloran (105) helped the Nettles to 275 for four after being put into bat by Deeping.

But it was the visitors' batting display which skipper Manby branded "negative" as they batted out the 50 overs, finishing on 207 for eight.

"It has proved very difficult to bowl teams out this season, because when sides come up against the bigger clubs like ourselves they play negatively and go for a draw," said Manby.

"Market Deeping won the toss and put us into bat, let us set a score and then when they came into bat just played so negatively – they never went for any shots.

"It is something the big teams have had to deal with in this league for some time now. Bracebridge, for example, have had it for several years."

It was the impressive scores of Nettleham's openers which caught the eye, though. Nel marched closer to his target of 1,000 runs for the season and O'Halloran hit his first century for the club.

Manby heaped praise on the exploits of South African Nel and emphasised the importance of players like O'Halloran backing up their big-scoring team-mate.

"Warren has been different class all year for us, he is the rock in our batting line-up. The bonus points he gives us have been invaluable," he said.

"He set himself the target of breaking the league record of runs in a season and I think he will do it if he keeps batting the way he is.

"It was good to see Matt backing Warren up with his century. It is crucial we don't rely on him (Nel) too much so performances from the other lads are needed."

RESULTS

Nettleham 275-4 (Nel 135no, O'Halloran 106), Market Deeping 207-8; Louth 185, Bourne 189-8; Hartsholme 181-9 (Woodridge 66, C. Cheer 5-52), Boston 183-2 (J. Cheer 103no); Sleaford 226-6 (Shorthouse 69, Gunawardena 66), Woodhall Spa 192 (Alam 57, Shorthouse 6-35); Lindum 232-8 (Morley-Barnes 66, Hornsby 65), Grimsby 223 (Perera 71, Bansal 5-80); Skegness 67 (Onyon 5-36, Houston 5-25), Bracebridge Heath 68-2.